Honoring Ed Nowatzki

The University of Arizona department of civil engineering and engineering mechanics honored alumnus Edward A. Nowatzki at our 2016 Homecoming celebration – and you're invited to continue supporting his memory.

Ed Nowatzki, who received his PhD from CEEM in 1966, passed away on May 4, 2015. He was an engineer, educator, consultant and mentor who touched the lives of thousands of students and colleagues over a career that spanned more than 50 years.

During his life, Ed was recognized with numerous accolades for his contributions to the profession and his commitment to developing the next generation of civil engineers. Teaching was a passion for Ed, and we are grateful for all he did to benefit students at the University of Arizona.

On Oct. 28, 2016, we renamed Room 201 in the Civil Engineering Building in his honor by establishing an endowment to permanently support the department's Centennial Lecture Series, which is presented biennially during our Homecoming celebrations. Ed was one of the series founders.

We are pleased to have the endorsement of Ed’s family, and we hope you will join us in remembering Ed through the lecture series.

Please consider making a gift to celebrate Ed's memory. You can donate in two ways:

By check (PDF). Please fill out the Gift/Pledge Agreement form, make checks out to the University of Arizona Foundation with "in memory of Ed Nowatzki" in the memo line and send to Therese Lane at 1209 E. 2nd St., Room 206A-1, Tucson, AZ 85721.

If you have any questions about honoring Ed Nowatzki through the Centennial Lecture Series endowment, please consult the FAQ below or contact theresel@email.arizona.edu.

Nowatzki Memorial Endowment FAQ

Why am I contributing to an endowment instead of a room-naming fund?

The cost to dedicate a University classroom is $25,000. The funds raised are then available to the department. In consultation with Ed’s family, the department decided to place those funds in an endowment to cover speaker costs for the Centennial Lecture Series.

What is the Centennial Lecture Series?

One of the outcomes of our centennial celebration in 2005 was a biennial lecture series that features prominent speakers on topics of broad interest to the civil engineering community and general public. In even calendar years, a speaker is chosen by a CEEM AIC committee and invited to campus on the Friday of Homecoming weekend. Ed Nowatzki was instrumental in setting up the series, including writing the guidelines and identifying the first speaker.

Why are the funds needed for the Centennial Lecture Series?

The speaker’s transportation, lodging, meals, and incidentals are currently supported by donations to each year's Homecoming celebration, with the department budget covering shortfalls. The Nowatzki memorial endowment will cover speaker expenses for the foreseeable future.

According to IRS regulations, funds donated to an endowment must be specifically earmarked by the donor for that purpose or cannot be included.

How does the endowment work?

An endowment can be established with a minimum of $25,000. The principal is held for investment and the payout, currently held at a minimum of 4 percent annually, is available for spending. Expected short-term excess returns, or travel fees for local speakers, are re-invested in the endowment.